If you’re a disorganized homeschool mom, I have Christmas gift ideas you’ll love because I know what’s helped me become more organized. Even if you’re already in the process of getting organized, you’ll love these. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts for a disorganized homeschool mom in your life, I promise she’ll love these–with no offense taken! Be sure to read to the end for the best gift idea of all–cash! I’ve gotten together with some pretty awesome bloggers to give TWO families some CASH in the 5th annual Christmas Blessings Giveaway – $500 cash (delivered via Paypal). You’ll find the entry form at the end of the post.
Sink Reflections
I was so disorganized that I was ready to quit homeschooling and having kids when we had three. Then I found FLYLady, Marla Cilley who is the author of Sink Reflections. Her no-judgment, 15-minutes-at-a-time approach to getting organized changed my life. In fact, you’ll find my endorsement on the back of the book! If your home is in chaos, you will love this book and implementing the FLYing approach even more.
The Organized Homeschool Life Book and Planner
After creating routines and getting my home decluttered, I longed for organizing help designed just for homeschool moms. I applied the FLYLady 15-minute-mission approach to every aspect of a homeschool mom’s life (seasonal planning, school room organization, curriculum planning and much more). The result is The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner with a year’s worth of weekly challenges that will get your whole life in order. The planner helps you fit the missions into a daily task list that helps you balance family and personal needs. These tools have made me happier and more productive than ever and are the perfect Christmas gift for the Christian homeschool mom on your list.
Get Your Pretty On
If you need help decluttering your closet, simplifying your wardrobe, and putting outfits together that make you feel great, Get Your Pretty On is for you. You’re given a shopping list of wardrobe essentials (whether you want a year-round basic wardrobe, work wear, or a fresh seasonal wardrobe). First, you shop your closet. You’ll have a number of these pieces already. Then you can thrift store shop, Black Friday shop, or request the remaining pieces as gifts. You’ll have a calendar of outfits to wear using these pieces and access to a private Facebook group that is so much fun! You’ll feel fantastic in your clothes–a great goal for the new year. The winter capsule wardrobe or the annual membership make perfect Christmas gifts.
The Instant Pot
If you’re organized, you can use a crockpot. Put the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and dinner is done! But when you’re not that organized, the Instant Pot comes to the rescue. It’s a pressure cooker that is like the offspring of a slow cooker and a microwave. You can add frozen meat to it and in no time, your meal is ready and tastes like it’s been cooking all day. This cookbook makes a great companion gift.
Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo can help you get and stay organized with reminders, timers, automatic ordering, and quick answers. The bonus is you can listen to your favorite tunes while you’re organizing.
iRobot Roomba
When was the last time you vacuumed? I thought so. With a Roomba, that job is no longer yours. And it works with your Amazon Echo!
Magnetic Refrigerator Dry Erase Board
Trying to get your family to check your wall or digital calendar can be trying. But everyone uses the refrigerator! Keep them informed with a magnetic dry erase calendar for the refrigerator. My daughter enjoys filling ours out each month.
Multi-Device Charging Station
If your devices or back-up batteries are frequently low on power at all the wrong times, you’ll be a more organized homeschool mom with this multi-device charging station.
Wireless Key Finder
If you frequently lose your keys or remotes, you’ll love this wireless key finder. Simply attach your keys to a device or stick one of the sensors to a remote and you’ll hear a noise directing you to the lost item. It’s a real sanity saver!
We all know it’s easier to get organized if you’re up before noon. If you’re a heavy sleeper (or your family members are), this super loud, bed-shaking alarm clock is the perfect gift for you.
Wifi Digital Picture Frame
Do you have good intentions to scrapbook? While you’re working on creating the scrapbook habit, this digital picture frame will allow you to enjoy your photos now. Anyone can email photos to it. It’s on my gift list this year.
James Brown Tufted Leather Armed Storage Bench
If you a hotspot where items collect, a storage bench can be an attractive solution. I use this bench to store the kids’ extra shoes that accummulate near the front door. It’s a great place to sit and put your shoes on, too.
Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Lipstick
Do you forget to reapply lipstick? I used to until I started wearing Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Lipstick. It wears all day and doesn’t dry out my lips. Perfect stocking stuffer for the busy homeschool mom.
Pilot Frixion Clicker Gel Ink Pens
Pencils have to be sharpened and mechanical pencil lead breaks easily. These Pilot Frixion Clicker Gel Ink pens are my favorite. Fine point, eraseable ink. Problem is other people love them, too, and they disappear. They make the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite homeschool mom.
We hope that the prize will be a blessing to the winning families and will help them fulfill their kids’ Christmas wishes, pay off some bills, or to save for a rainy day. Whatever the money ends up being used for, our prayer is that it helps to lessen any financial burden and/or fills a specific need.
There are lots of entry options in the Rafflecopter form below – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning! I know it can seem tedious and time consuming to go through all the entries, but isn’t a chance at $500 worth it? I think it is! Plus, all of these generous bloggers donated their own money toward the cash prizes and this giveaway wouldn’t be possible without them. So I hope you’ll take the time to check out each one. Who knows? Maybe you will find your new favorite blog.
The giveaway will run from Monday, November 12th through Wednesday, November 21st (ends at 11:59pm EST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn. You must have a Paypal account to win. Please be sure to read the Rafflecopter terms and conditions upon entering.
Holidays, family reunions, and weddings are some of the most wonderful memories we make with those we love. However, they can prove to be a challenge when it comes to finding the perfect gift for everyone–especially since there are so many things to choose from.
Ideally, you should not ask your loved ones what they want because gifts are “surprises.” But then again, you can have a hard time determining what to buy for each and every person on your list because, apart from having so much to choose from, people have different tastes and preferences.
A way to solve this is to do a little bit of searching for some nice gifts for each occasion. In this article, we will give you some advice on how to choose the best present. For detailed lists of gifts, together with price details, visit TenGiftIdeas.com. There you will find an assortment of articles filled with gift suggestions for all kinds of occasions.
Guide to Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
However, before choosing an item, you will also need a gift guide, which will help you pick the perfect gift from the wide variety of available gift options. The following tips will come in handy during this process.
Consider your relationship
You should spend less on gifts for colleagues and distant family members as compared to what you will spend on close family members because family comes first. Also, try to prioritize on close family members by buying their gifts a week before so that, in case anything goes wrong, you will already have some things ready for your “inner circle.”
Do some background checks
This is actually an easy feat nowadays because most people post their activities and events on social media. You can look for clues of what they like on Facebook or Instagram and you might be really surprised at how easy it can be to narrow it down to a few best ideas.
Use algorithms
Now, this might seem geeky, but it is quite easy. Technology has advanced to the point where it can help you determine which gift to give to a specific person. Some e-commerce websites will ask you personal questions about the recipient and, with the help of algorithms, they can generate gift ideas.
List their interests
Interests determine a major part of who we are. Therefore, giving someone a gift that is aligned with their interests is one of the best things you can do. For instance, if your best friend likes sewing, you will make him/her very happy if you gift him/her with a new sewing machine or sewing accessories. To determine these interests, simply take a few minutes and list the recipient’s hobbies. From this list, determine the best gift for each hobby and if you have the finances, you can buy them all. If you don’t, pick the coolest idea from the gift list and get it.
Consider past experiences/events
Maybe you gifted someone something that he/she did not like very much last year. How can you tell? Do they use/ display it? If the answer is no, you know what not to buy. Moreover, remember things you did together. Did they seem particularly excited when talking about their yoga sessions? Why not opt for some scented candles, an ambient music CD, or some yoga clothing items. On the other hand, if you went on hikes together, then maybe go for hiking accessories. An outdoorsy person will always be happy to receive a quality Swiss army knife.
Consider the occasion
It could be the graduation of your close friend or the wedding of your sister. Bottom line, what matters is what you want the gift to say. For instance, a graduation gift should be something that tells them they have achieved a lot. It should inspire them as they move forward to the next chapter of their lives. A wedding anniversary gift for your husband should remind him that he is loved, while also reminding him of the good times you have had together.
Put yourself in their shoes
If your friend is having a second baby, what would she like? What would you like if you were in her position? She may need a new lovey blanket, pacifiers, or clothes for a different season. Such questions can help you find the right gifts easily for a majority of the people on your list.
Be unique (think outside the box)
As much as you are a busy person, it would be better to take some time and think about some unique items you can get. You can even decide to make the gift on your own, for instance, and make your best friend some jewelry if that’s your craft. The important thing to remember is that it does not have to be expensive in order to be good. A thoughtful and unique gift is the best thing you can get someone.
Conclusion
The most important thing when it comes to gifting is to make the giftee feel appreciated. The tips given above will go a long way towards helping you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. What’s your favorite tip on this list? Let us know in the comments.
I’m all about sanity, especially when it comes to the Christmas season. I don’t make fancy food and guess what? People love my simple recipes.
My recipe for Oreo Truffles is no exception. I don’t make them as gifts because in a family of eight, they disappear almost as quickly as I make them. Whether you serve them to your family or wrap them up as gifts, they’re sure to be a hit.
Oreo Truffles Recipe
Ingredients
1 package of Oreos (or a generic brand of similar cookies to save money)
1 package of cream cheese, softened
2/3 package of chocolate almond bark
Directions
Process the entire package of Oreos in a food processor with the regular blade attachment until it’s crumbly. Add the cream cheese and process again until the mixture forms a ball. Put the mixture into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Melt almond bark in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring a few times before it’s completely melted. Form the chilled dough into quarter-sized balls. Drop into melted chocolate, rolling with a spoon until covered. Lift the truffle out with a spoon, tapping the spoon to remove excess chocolate. Roll truffle onto a wax-paper covered cookie sheet. Store completed truffles in the refrigerator. Use a knife to trim truffles to make them prettier…if they last long enough.
You can package them as a gift in boxes like these.
At this time of year, I wish I were Oprah and could afford to give all my readers my favorite things for Christmas. While I can’t do that, I’m thrilled that I’ve been given some amazing gifts to pass on, many of them from 2 to 1 Conference Sponsors. If you’re a homeschooler involved in social media, I hope you’ll join me at 2 to 1 in October, 2016!
I am also purchasing a few of these gifts to bless a couple of my readers. I encourage you to enter for a chance to win the gifts in both giveaways, but to purchase them as well. If you win, some of your Christmas shopping is done! Would you like to hear more about these great gifts? Scroll down to see the Periscope video where I share more.
I am all about sanity for homeschoolers and there’s nothing like a planner to organize you and give you peace of mind. This comprehensive planner by Debra Bell is flexible enough to be used with any kind of homeschooling approach for up to six kids. My favorite aspect of the planner is that you’re encouraged to plan spiritually and to reflect on God’s grace to you throughout the week. Another huge plus is space to record the little victories! The planner was a gift from Apologia. I know you’ll love it! But if you want to make this an even better gift for yourself, ask for a night away to do some planning for the new year.
You can make any field trip you take this year that much more educational with this journal. Your kids will write about the story of their day and what they want to remember. But there are also spaces for specific field trips like state and seasonal trips. You don’t have to use Apologia Science to enjoy this journal. You could add a certificate to this promising a fun field trip. We have used a Groupon for rock climbing as a gift–a big hit! The journal is also a gift from Apologia.
Speaking of journals, if you’d like your kids to document their reading and learn more about literature at the same time, you’ll love the Kids’ Reading Journal. It’s so cute that once again, I want to write in it! Even better, it doesn’t bore kids by requiring the same journaling every day and it uses short entries that don’t overwhelm kids. Add a set of great books as a gift for young readers. The journal is a gift from Kim Sorgius of NotConsumed.com.
I’ve raved about this curriculum before. The truth is that I don’t care as much about my kids learning about 21st Century music as I do about learning it myself! The lessons are short and fun — perfect for a unit study, co-op, or just to use when you need a break from your regular curriculum, like now! Add a musical instrument that your child would like to try as a gift, like this beginner’s guitar. This curriculum is a gift from Gena Mayo of IChooseJoy.org.
Maybe you have little ones who aren’t old enough to truly appreciate 21st Century music. They’ll love this DVD music video that includes Christmas and Easter praise songs. This would make a great stocking stuffer. A portable DVD player with headphones would be extra fun. It’s a gift from YancyMinistries.com.
What would a homeschool gift package be without a book? This picture book by a pastor teaches character and would be a great gift (along with a puzzle like this underwater scene floor puzzle) for your preschooler. It’s a gift from Kenneth Good.
Enter the giveaway below and then scroll down to check out the gifts exclusively for you.
The Well Planned Day, On the Go Planner You have your Ultimate Homeschool Planner, but what about the rest of your life? The pretty Well Planned Day Planner tucks in your purse keeping your appointments and to-do’s organized with place for meal planning as well. Keep up with your goal to read through the Bible this year with the reading plan. Make this an extra-special gift for you or a friend by adding a set of my favorite erasable pens. The planner is a gift from HEDUA. That I May Know Him Bible Study The Christmas season is a perfect time for you to delve into a Bible study specifically about knowing the Lord better. It’s a short study, making it perfect for the busy holiday season. A new Bible with study notes would make this an even better gift. This is a gift from Homeworks By Precept.The Renewing Your Mind Project This book by Barb Raveling, a Bible study author who homeschooled her children, has changed my life. Next to the Bible, it is my #1 resource for managing emotions, changing habits, and meeting goals. I love it so much that the Kindle version is a gift from me to you. Add an “I Can Do Everything Through Him” journal to make this an especially generous gift for you or a friend. Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ Mascara from Younique Not long after I started using Periscope, I saw a broadcast by Kristin Blackwell who demonstrated this mascara. It doesn’t just coat the lashes with liquid, but with fibers that make the lashes appear thicker–much thicker. I ordered it immediately and love it. The mascara is a gift from Kristin Blackwell. Add an eyelash curler as an extra gift. Norwex Window/Polishing Cloth One thing that drives me crazy as a homemaker with many kids is keeping my windows clean. Why do kids feel the need to touch windows constantly? Cleaning them in the typical way involves lots of cleaner and paper towels that invariably leave residue on the windows. When I tried a Norwex cloth with plain water, I was astounded. It leaves my windows cleaner than any other method I’ve tried. My daughter helped me demonstrate in this Periscope broadcast. The Norwex cloth is a gift from me. Add a water mister bottle and you’re all set. Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipstick I am usually too busy and lazy to reapply lipstick. When it’s gone, it’s gone. When I learned that there was a lipstick that I could apply once and have it last all day, I ordered it right away. And it works! It lasts so long that the only way to get it off completely is to wash it off. I use a makeup-removing toilette. It can make your lips feel a little drier than with no lipstick on at all. I like to reapply the gloss at those times and I wear Carmex to bed at night to keep my lips moist all day. The lipstick is a gift from me. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Valentine’s Day is coming up–the day that reminds far too many married women that they’re not married to a romantic. Unfortunately, the communication problem isn’t limited to one day a year.
A psychologist friend and I were bemoaning the struggle our men have in knowing what to say to us to create intimacy. My friend laughed, “They need a cheat sheet!”
“That’s a great idea!” I told her. And Pillow Talk Printables were born. I created a list of compliments and conversation starters that can make any man a romantic. I knew I needed a discreet way of keeping them bedside and decided to make them Altoid-tin size. Scroll down for the link and printable directions, but first I have a few tips to make the cards the most effective.
#1 Select the conversation starters you like most
I created 30 compliments or conversation starters. Some of these may do nothing for you. No problem! Just don’t use those you don’t care for. I included blank cards for you to add the words you most long to hear.
#2 Stay positive
My own husband has educated me that romance for him (and I suspect for many men) is intimidating. He admitted he would rather not even try than fail. To counteract that hesitancy, DO NOT CRITICIZE if your man is bold enough to use these cue cards. In fact, may I suggest rewarding him the best way you know how? 🙂 This is not the time to bring up past conflicts. Those are best kept away from the pillows.
#3 Put the blame on you
When you present these cards to your man, explain that you know women can be hard to understand and you’re sorry about any confusion you’ve created. You are giving him these cards, you’ll say, to simplify things. When he wants to be intimate with you (however he defines that), he can choose a card to start a conversation. Remind him that the most erotic part of a woman’s body is her mind and that you’ll be so happy if he gives the cards a try. Promise that you won’t be critical.
Note: If your husband is still resistant to using the cards, ask him why. There may be hurt feelings or unresolved conflict that must be addressed before using them. If you need help building communication skills, see your pastor or marriage counselor.
Great gift idea
These cards would make a great anniversary gift and would be a lovely bridal shower gift, especially for a couples’ shower. Maybe your own man is romantic, but you know someone who could benefit from this romance cheat sheet. Please pin it and share it to strengthen marriages.
Directions
Save the cards to your computer and print them on cardstock. I prefer white. Cut the cards of your choice out on the lines and add them to an empty, clean Altoids tin. Use the “Pillow Talk” card as a cover for the box. I recommend adhering it with glue dots.
Finding a stocking stuffer or inexpensive gift that won’t end up in the trash can be a real challenge. That’s why I am excited about Lilla Rose hair jewelry. I was asked to review the product and give away a piece of the winner’s choice at the perfect time for you Christmas shoppers. Enter to win the giveaway below (ends Sunday Nov. 30th @ 10 p.m. Central), but notice the amazing Black Friday sale! You’ll want to order one of these for every girl and woman on your shopping list.
I let my daughter pick out what she liked and this is what she chose. I think it’s so pretty but in a more subtle way. She can easily put it on herself at 10.
This is definitely not a gift that will be thrown away! Here are some more pictures of Lilla Rose hair jewelry and ideas for how to wear them. I received a Flexi-O clip and can’t wait to try it on a scarf.
You’ll want to enter the giveaway below and shop the Black Friday sale. The Everyone will be asking where you got it!
Be sure to use the sizing guide before ordering so you’re completely satisfied with your gift! Giveaway winner will be able to choose their piece and the appropriate size.
I’m a Christian psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. My life can be a little crazy, so I look for sanity-saving ideas to use and share. I hope you’ll read my About page to learn more.
